December 25, 2009

FELIZ NAVIDAD!

Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo to everyone from Buddha Banana and no, I'm not in Tijuana - just south of the border haha

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Little Christmas Tree
Promise you will be
Nobody else's little Christmas tree
I'll make you sparkle, just you wait and see
My little Christmas tree

December 23, 2009

BASIC MATTER 16: BESPOKE SHIRTS

I have never imagined myself working lazily on a Wednesday at a seaside café down south tucked in one corner enjoying the view of the pink sand of Sta. Cruz across playing footsies with myself as I write this – luxury has always been my greatest enemy.

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Two weeks and 15 yards later, I finally got the dress shirts I had my tailor make from the sketches that I have been working on. A couple of plaid, gingham and tartan with contrasting club collars and plain ones in country club colors like walking down shaded streets in Nantucket. I’m happy with the results.

December 21, 2009

BASIC MATTER 15: THE SUEDE LOAFERS

Here’s what I got myself last week for Christmas. I always like the preppy classic suede loafers or what dad would call, the 'old man' shoes.

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‘A man may wear his heart on his sleeve, but his shoes will tell you what condition it’s in´ from the book Never Trust a Man in Alligator Loafers.

Probably I’m an old guy at heart but definitely not conservative and stodgy.

GIFT IDEAS FROM PAUL SMITH

Start you Christmas shopping with gift ideas from Paul Smith starting with Paul Smith Story for Men and London and Paris Directory.
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Hurry,rush to Paul Smith at Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City +632.729.9898//+63.920.916.8906 and Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City +632.636.0488//+63.920.952.6525 or email them at paulsmithmanila@triomarketingventures.com

December 15, 2009

BASIC MATTER 14: THE NEEDLE SHIRT

I always like to wear my shirts un-tucked with my basic shorts and sleeves rolled up twice.
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(Photos from Steven Alan photographed by Hanuk)

Damien Nunes, Fashion Editor at GQ Magazine wears it best - Agree? Cool and stylish, but not like he takes himself way too seriously.

December 11, 2009

GREEN WITH IVY

Take Ivy
Photos by T. Hayashida

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December 10, 2009

SEEING PAUL NEWMAN

The folks over J.Crew men did it again!

If you have been following my blog, you’d noticed I totally dig plaid shirts.

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In the US, they’re usually reserved for fall but again, who cares? I live in the tropics.

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I always get eaten up by a dose of Americana – think loafers, boat shoes (which looks great with everything) and a dash of dandy in brightly colored tube socks thanks to Paul Smith.

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I also enjoy combining basic pieces like the classic chambray (there's that chambray shirt again), gingham, plaids, white , blue and pink cotton oxfords with my shorts that are cut slim and worn as they should be: just above the knee.

Accessories are also great like wearing a belt that's a shade lighter than your shoes — it's a move that makes you look like you aren't trying too hard, and it'll get you tons of compliments

December 09, 2009

9 DAYS TO CHRISTMASLAND

Living in the metro, where the weather is fairly humid most of the year and extremely chilly on December, I could wear almost anything.

I have to admit that it was easy to fall into the casualness of shorts, loafers and my basic oxfords. For many years, that was mostly what I wore, adding dark trousers, pullovers, gingham, plaids and crisp white dress shirts to work.

Being home for the holiday is always a good thing. Last year was my first time in 5 years.
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(Perfect December : flannel shirts from Gitman vintage, oxford and pullovers from from apc, pea coat from Steven Alan, JS boarskin luggage tug and nano universe tote)

Back home, our family would dress more formally during Christmas dinner and my parents and aunts expect us to always dress nicely.

Mum would always tell us, way back in Negros (Bacolod) where she’ is from, people wore clothes that was not only appropriate to their activities but were also made from the fibers native and appropriate to the place.

I can’t wait to see my family again – counting the days till’ the afternoon of the 18th.

Now, what clothes to bring? I only have 18 kilos.

December 08, 2009

THE GIFT: SODASTEAM HOME SODA MAKER

First on the list, granted! I’m not a fan of any kitchen appliance but being a soda junkie that I am, SodaStream is definitely the ultimate kitchen appliance that everyone should have!

With SodaStream, you can transform water into soda in 30 seconds and makes up to 60 liters of soda (woohoo).
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Guess what, it requires no electricity and no batteries, SodaStream is economical and earth-friendly, making it a highly energy efficient small appliance. By using Sodastream, you can cut the waste and travel emissions that come with every sparkling water and soda bottle or can. About 70% of soda and water bottles do not get recycled and most of the waste end up in landfills or in the ocean. The entire process is quick, easy and affordable while having minimal impact on the environment.

Go get one now! SodaStream home soda maker is available at all SM Snack exchange nationwide, Metro Gaisano Ayala (Cebu), specialty stores like Hobbes & Landes Bonifacio High Street, Greenbelt 5 and Powerplant Mall, Robinsons Galleria, Festival Mall, Sta. Lucia Department Store, Automatic Center Cubao, Gourdo’s Trinoma, Promenade Greenhills, The Fort, Alabang Town Center, Gourdo’s World Market Greenbelt 2 and at Living Well Homestore at the Podium and Mall of Asia.

THE MIDNIGHT LULLABY

poa
Luis Lorenzana's
'The Midnight Lullaby'
by Cathy Paras-Lara

Silverlens Gallery proudly presents 'The Midnight Lullaby,' a solo exhibit at SLab's 20Square Gallery by Luis Lorenzana named after the largest exhibition piece included in the show that Lorenzana has completed in three years.

"This particular work is larger in scale, which means that I really needed the time to finish it. I turned down solo exhibit offers from galleries abroad in the process, explaining to them that I owe my beloved country this exhibit," says Lorenzana.

Seen largely as a preview to a grander solo show in September 2010, 'The Midnight Lullaby' combines the artist's technical application of the play between light and shadow, while staying true to his pop art, animation and surreal imagery influences.

"I'm fascinated with clowns - so deep, tragic, mysterious, and alone. So many different emotions can be expressed just by using a clown's face."

'The Midnight Lullaby' opens at 6 pm on Friday, December 11, 2009, and runs until January 09 at SLab's 20Square Gallery.

'The Midnight Lullaby' will be shown alongside Singapore International Photography Festival at Silverlens Gallery and Indivisibilis by Gary-Ross Pastrana at SLab.

For inquiries, contact Silverlens Gallery at 2/F YMC Bldg. II, 2320 Pasong Tamo Ext., Makati, 816-0044, 0917-5874011, or manage@silverlensphoto.com. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 10am–7pm and Saturdays 1-6pm. www.silverlensphoto.com / slab.silverlensphoto.com.

December 05, 2009

+ DRINK MORE MILK

Me and my friend decided to drop by the emporium of super cupcakes, awesome goodies and not so serious art in Petaling Jaya during our recent trip to Kuala Lumpur.

It was love at first sight. Quirky, unconventional and almost whimsical, +Wondermilk cupcakes definitely entails a combination of design and pastry arts.

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(In +Wondermilk, everything is D.I.Y happy! Let's blow bubbles together!)

They also have boxes and pails filled with stationery designed by their in-house graphic artist, lomo cameras and shirts by badger – I even ended up buying a vintage looking Paris side table clock for MYR 68.00 and a shirt for MYR 45.00.

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(hide me from the cupcake monster)

Visit +Wondermilk at 39 & 41 Jalan ss 21/1A, Damansara Utama, 47400Petaling jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Store hours: 9am to 10pm daily

December 02, 2009

CARDIAC ORANGE

Ok, I think my heart just skipped a beat.
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This unbelievably beautiful Leica M7 Film Camera Hermes edition is a perfect stocking stuffer. It also comes in silver chrome with calfskin leather accents in two colors, orange and the mysteriously named “etoupe”.

And yes, it’s coming out this month - ME LIKEY!

December 01, 2009

DANDY MINUS THE BOW-TIE

I may not be dandy but there are a couple of items that just scream dandy in me minus the bow-tie.

A few pairs of bright and bold colored socks , they brighten-up my day. I love wearing loud socks with a more traditional suit and dark jeans – think Paul Smith, Ted Baker and my favorite pair of unbranded red socks. Sometimes socks make the man.

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(Gentlemen Of Bacongo: The Dandies Of Sub-Saharan Africa. Photos from Daniele Tamagni)

When dreaming, I always make sure to check Kwannam Chu’s blog – we could grow up together. His photography and the beauty he captures in his photos is pure love.

I have also collected a couple of journals. Yes, you guys all know I own four – thank god for Moleskine! It’s a great venue to scribble and doodle, take notes and collect thoughts.

On lazy weekends, I make sure to visit Sonja’s for coffee and cupcakes (I particularly love Vanilla Sunshine), Apartment 1B in Salcedo right after the Saturday market and +Canteen for Eggs Benedict in Legaspi Village. I have always been a supporter of local businesses and love creating relationships with the people around the area. I have also gotten to know the owners and it makes going out to eat so much more of an enjoyable experience rather than just eating a meal.

I miss my pink trousers! Now, what to do during the holidays?